Disc Brakes on Early A's - What solution did you choose and why?
I know this has been asked before but technology is always changing and improving. I may not be aware of the latest and greatest so I thought I would ask.
Doing a front disc brake upgrade this winter to my 64 Valiant. I keep flip flopping between Scarebird, Wilwood kit, 73-76 BBP conversion, etc.
For those of you that upgrade your brake system...
Which system did you choose? Why? Would you do it differently today?
I want to do this once! Front disc brakes only. Budget doesn't really matter. Good quality, great stopping and ease of installation are my criteria.
Opinions please. What's new out there? Thank you.
I used the scarebird unit.
1. I didn't have to replace the upper control arms (new already and aligned with drums) so -70$ for that Or put on a new spindle and then have to align it anyway.after I had already put on offset moog bushings the first time.
2. easy to get parts almost anywhere or time. minimum wait about 12 hours if they don't have it local on parts. try getting SBC or wildwood t get you rotors to ya in 12 hours without paying a bundle to get em.
3. I didn't have to outlay cash up front. but could get the adapters, then parts as money became available
4. I did have to get me 5 on 4" hubs drilled to 5 on 4.5" at a machine shop cost 35.00 with 2 inch 1/2 screw in studs cost $21.00 Now I can go either way if I want to (not happening on the 5 on 4", but I could) now if a rotor goes bad I just replace it without any modification like a "normal" car
5. plus I could choose what type of master cylinder I wanted to use Small bore or larger bore for different pedal feel.
would I choose to go this way today?'
yes
for the sames reasons I posted.
I have done wildwood and others for different people and it's somtimes a crapshoot on the fitment of their parts and braking ability. I have always got good support for the companies though. on ever one We finally got the brakes working except 1.
I have friend that has a 65 plymouth BB b body that I had to replace the wildwood front discs on due to the fact that it just would not stop the car the same each time. wildwood replaced Every part for him and it was still not stopping consistently.
I ordered the scarebird disc adapters and used over the counter parts and haven't had a lick of problems on his car for over 5k of driving. (did not change OR adjust the master or the adjustable proportioning valve) But I should have gone to power disc for him since his legs are giving out now due to diabetes .
later model disc brakes from a donor mopar works too! but widen the track on 66 darts more than scarebirds setup using a 1/4 thicker rotor (take away the drum thickness ) I think it a small difference but don't remember how much further out the 73 n up widens the track
